Cultural Comparison Between France and Mexico

Cultural Observations of France & Mexico Anthony Li Instructor Byran Than
MKTG 454
September 12, 2011For my cultural study assignment, I have decided to observe and report my findings on France and Mexico. The two countries are quite stark in cultural differences, yet share an underlying theme of deep respect for their business partners and associates. I will now go into the analysis of these two countries and provide a brief explanation of my findings. France:

The country of France has a rich heritage and reputation for possessing unique cultural aspects in both personal and business life. Unlike the business culture here in the US, business employees are generally much more private with their inner personalities and tend to behave in a conservative fashion during day-to-day operations. First names are never used in business meetings and deals, for they are reserved exclusively for family and close friends. When giving a gift to another, items are given in odd numbers excluding the number 13 to prevent passing bad luck to the recipient. Unlike the Chinese and Japanese culture as discussed in class, opening gifts as they are received is quite common and generally the expected behavior from the recipient. Mexico:

In Mexico, the expected behavior in business operations can vary quite drastically depending on whether the individual is male or female. Respect in the most sincere form is generally reserved for males, which is largely due in part to the Mexico’s long-lasting emphasis on maintaining hierarchical relationships. Unlike the US business culture, it is extremely rude and condescending to treat your superiors simply as a coworker. Following the hierarchy of company positions is vital and the level of respect must suit the proper position at all times. Women are expected to pat each other on the arm or shoulder when greeting one another unlike men who use the traditional handshake until they become friendly with the other individual....

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CONTENTS
The Cultural Differences BetweenFrance and China 1
OVERVIEW 1
The Differences on NAMEs 1
The Differences on Courtesy 2
The Differences on Repast 2
The Differences on Living Habits 4
The Differences on Personalities 5
CONCLUTION 6
The Cultural Differences BetweenFrance and China
OVERVIEW
With the development of the technology and the economic, more and more Chinese are studying at France. More or less we have known something about France when I was in China. But discover the differences betweenFrance and China through book is unilateral. The best way to explore the cultural differences is to experience them and compare them by your own. After came to France for almost three months, I’ve explored many cultural differences between this two countries. So let’s see what are these differences I have found.
The Differences on NAMEs
The first difference I found is that in France, people’s first name comes first, followed by their family name. While in China it is on the contrary, our family name should be in front of people’s first. I think the difference is because French people are more focus on themselves, they are more focus on individuals. Chinese people put family name first is because we think our ancestor and our family are more important.
The...

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